Is it really true?
Is the long running Gorge Blow-Out "really" not going to happen?

I haven't followed Gorge racing or organization politics in Hood River... so don't know the "back story".

I know the BlowOut was "on"... and then "off". I know it was with Windfest. I know the USW Nationals were on, then off, but now back on.
Did the BlowOut get "left in the dust"?

If it's true... it's too bad.
And I know it's not a big deal to everyone, and that's fine. But it is cool, that this "marathon" event, has been a very famous (or infamous) event in the Gorge for a VERY long time. And a shame that this tradition doesn't continue.
Greg -

Greg, you've probably already done this, but if not, do the downwinder from Viento to the Event Site and see how you like it. I've done it solo a couple of times... once was really lit-up as I went through Swell & the Hatchery, the other time nicely powered until I reached Swell City, and then had to slog most of the way after that.

Viento to HR - yes, that would be good practice. I did something like that a LONG time ago.
But since I'm so much older now... and weaker... and nursing injuries... and out-of-shape... I think "this might be the time" to try it
Really it's because, it'll be a social thing, and I'll have a personal "safety net"... so I can bail when/if needed.

And yes, I suppose anybody can show up (maybe I should do it with a "wave runner").

What happens if a bunch of "friends" decide to do their own downwind run, and the date and time leak out.

That's how the very first Blowout was started! In 1980, we were going to follow Jim Kehoe to Umatilla for a long windsurfing trek. There were so few windsurfers, everyone knew each other, and we always met together on weekends to windsurf! When we hit Cascade Locks, a group consensus occurred, and us Oregon sailors decided, why leave wind to find wind! Thus the first Gorge Blowout was started (unfortunately, Jim was left alone in Eastern Oregon as no cell phones).

That first year, Jim Melton & Bob Rueter of Gorge Performance, brought the catamaran that picked up all the stray sailors, as no one made it.

It's sad that it has now come down to insurance and liability. It only takes one lawsuit.

Have fun on whatever you all decide, as I don't want to see this event end, it has too much history!

(One of 13 sailors that completed the very first Gorge Blowout in 1981 and a few thereafter! There are at least 5 of us from that event that still windsurf the Gorge)

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